Red Top Optima

[Rsully70sev]

I went on Optima's direct website, and it said they didn't make a group 48. I went on google and looked and found a group 48 on Sear's web site. I'm looking for a quality replacement, not Wal-Mart crap. Opinions?

[mr.vang]

walmart, autozone crap work just fine in CA unless you live in a subzero - 80 degree weather than that would be necessary.

[Rsully70sev]

For sure, I've just read a few threads where they have crapped out after a short amount of time. Specifically, [george graves] pointed me in the direction of Optima Red Top's for quality.

[mr.vang]

they usually last me 6-7 years

[StereoInstaller1]

they usually last me 6-7 years

before they moved production to Mexico, I loved them. Now I am on my 3rd in less than 2 years.

[mr.vang]

before they moved production to Mexico, I loved them. Now I am on my 3rd in less than 2 years.

it must be your 3000 watts amp

[StereoInstaller1]

it must be your 3000 watts amp

Nope, I don't require big power, my installs are well designed so I don't need huge power.

I have 1200 watts RMS total, only 600 on bass. My system only draws about 90A max.

My car mostly sits. We all know that is the worst thing ever for a battery, but I have been using Optimas for nearly 20 years, and they have generally been in a car that sits for long periods. Only in the last 3 years have I had issues with them retaining charge, or being unable to accept a charge.

Just so you guys know, it is a good idea to paralell a traditional battery with any AGM battery when charging. The super low ESR basically does not force the charger to make power, so even though your charger may be reading correctly, it won't charge properly.

That bit of info comes from Optimas site, BTW.

[bimmerteck]

I agree the quality control on the newer optimas seems to have gone in the shitter, I had my first in my tow vehicle for around 10 years. (it sat most of the time) Replaced it, and the "new" one has now been replaced 2x under warranty in 3 yrs time. :/

[nmlss2006]

The 34R from Optima works in the E30, if you turn the orientation of the ground strap 90'. I'm happy with the Optima I have because it survives many months (6+) on a shelf, but that's tied to my specific usage patterns. I don't know, however, if mine is from .mx or elsewhere.